Brisbane...the world's best walking city
Written: Dec 15 '99 (Updated Dec 17 '99)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: inexpensive, beautiful city...great jumping off point to Gold and Sunshine Coasts
Cons: none that I can think on...
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| edd777's Full Review: Brisbane |
Queensland's capital, Brisbane, is the gateway to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts; 500 miles north of Sydney and 200 miles south of the Great Barrier Reef resorts, it is the perfect city for a relaxing getaway. With a population of 1.2 million, Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia, following behind Melbourne and Sydney. The city center is a 20 minute/15 mile taxi ride from the airport, and loaded with very modern and inexpensive hotels. The 3, 4 and 5 star Brisbane hotels tend toward the "condo" concept, with separate bedrooms and a very functional kitchen. If your going to stay for more than 3 or 4 days, ask for one of these rooms (with the kitchen)...its worth it.
Speaking of worth, the Australian dollar is trading in the range of A$1.00 = US$0.63. Considering that 3 years ago, before the Asian currency crisis, the A$ was worth 83 US cents...what a great time to visit this bargain country.
A wide and accessible river surrounds the Brisbane City Center on three sides. Four major bridges cross the Brisbane River, three with pedestrian walkways. A wonderful botanic garden sits next to the city center, and is an easy walk from all major hotels.
South Bank park, just across the river from the City's center, contains many first class restaurants, public swimming pools (Kodak Beach), bar-be-q's, fountains, open-air concerts and movies, and a world-class concert and live-theater hall. On the city side of the river, have a look at the Eagle Street Pier. This is another pedestrian oriented area with several restaurants and great shopping.
Did someone say shopping! Be sure to stay in Brisbane over a weekend, as both the South Bank Park and Eagle Street Pier areas host major crafts fairs. Home made honey, pottery, paintings, macadamia nuts, fresh fruit, clothing, hats, toys, leather goods and just about anything else you can think of can be found Friday evenings, all day Saturday and Sundays...every weekend.
This is a safe city. Crime is something you just don't see here. Guns are essentially banned in all of Australia, and the public seems to accept this willingly.
Food is cheap, especially fresh fruit and vegetables. Eating out is also an inexpensive pleasure. Like seafood? You'll love Brisbane. Try the local delicacy...Moreton Bay Bugs, also known as the ultra-sweet shovel nose lobster. If you like wine with your meal, consider taking your own bottle. This is an accepted practice in all of Australia, and BYO restaurants are plentiful.
I lived in Brizzi for two years as a USA expat...and I'd go back in a heartbeat. Check out this great link:
http://www.maxlink.com.au/bcl/welcome.htm
Good travels...
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
edd777
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Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 15 members
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